Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson has replaced the injured Daniel Ricciardo for the AlphaTauri F1 team
Liam Lawson, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo, will begin the Dutch Grand Prix from the last position. Red Bull’s reserve driver from New Zealand was called upon due to Ricciardo’s hand injury sustained from a practice session crash. Displaying the number 40 on his car, 21-year-old Lawson made his first appearance. While he practiced for AlphaTauri in Belgium, Mexico, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Red Bull in the past, he has yet to compete in a Formula 1 race.
During the qualifying session, Lawson found himself considerably distant from the leading pace, securing the 20th position. His preparation on the Zandvoort circuit was hindered by a disrupted and wet final practice session. Lawson had been a potential candidate for a spot at AlphaTauri in the ongoing season, and this situation offers him a valuable chance to demonstrate his abilities. Considering Ricciardo’s injury involving a broken bone, it appears unlikely that he will recover in time for the Italian Grand Prix scheduled for September 3rd. The F1 calendar then includes back-to-back races in Singapore on September 17th and Japan on September 24th.
As a teenager, Liam Lawson embarked on his karting journey, garnering noteworthy achievements across national and global competitions. His progression led him to single-seater racing, where he participated in renowned series including the FIA Formula 4 Championship, Toyota Racing Series, and Euroformula Open. Throughout these events, he showcased remarkable abilities, securing numerous wins and podium placements. Notably, Lawson’s exceptional talent came under the radar of the esteemed Red Bull Junior Team, a distinguished driver development initiative by Red Bull Racing. This recognition led to his recruitment by the team.
Progressing further, Lawson advanced to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, a crucial stepping stone for emerging drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of Formula 1. Representing Hitech Grand Prix, he demonstrated his prowess against some of the most promising young talents worldwide. In 2021, Liam Lawson achieved an impressive debut in the DTM, a renowned touring car racing series. Partnering with AF Corse, he piloted a Ferrari 488 GT3 in selected races, showcasing his adaptability and versatility across diverse racing categories. At present, he is a contender in the 2023 Super Formula Championship, competing with Team Mugen. Additionally, the New Zealand racer plays the role of a reserve driver for both the Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri Formula One teams.
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